Broncos need Courtland Sutton to step up after Demaryius Thomas trade

The Broncos were willing to trade wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Texans in part because they’re confident in Courtland Sutton, their second-round selection in this year’s NFL draft.

“I think Courtland can be special,” coach Vance Joseph said after practice Wednesday. “We’ve all watched him during training camp and through the first two months of the season. He’s got special ability.

“Now, he has to go prove it, along with Daesean Hamilton and along with Tim Patrick. We’ve got some young guys that we think are capable. It speaks to our receiver room. It’s a young room, but it’s talented.”

Sutton knows there are increased expectations for him now that Thomas is no longer the team’s No. 1 receiver.

“Being put into the position that I am in, I have to make sure that I am performing every day, in practice, film-wise, and then, of course every time we have a game,” Sutton said on Wednesday. “I have to make sure I go out and perform to the level I supposed to perform.”

The 23-year-old receiver owns 17 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns through eight games. The Broncos’ coaching staff is undoubtedly hoping he can more than double those totals in the second half of the season.